Charles Jarvis, the son of a coastguard, was born in Fraserburgh, Scotland. After attending Carnoustie School, Jarvis joined the British Army and served overseas before leaving in 1907.

On the outbreak of the First World War Jarvis joined the Royal Engineers. He was immediately sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force and arrived at Mons on 22nd August, 1914. The following day Lance-Corporal Jarvis was one of the members of the men sent to destroy eight of the bridges over the Mons-Conde Canal. Although coming heavy fire from German fire, Jarvis managed to blow up the bridge at Jemappes.

For his actions at Mons Jarvis was awarded the Victoria Cross. He returned to England and was presented with the medal at Buckingham Palace on 13th January, 1915.

In January 1917 Jarvis was dismissed from the British Army after over 17 years service. He claimed in an interview with the London Star that the authorities had done this to avoid paying him the pension granted to men with 18 years' service.

After leaving the army Jarvis found work as a labourer. During the Second World War he was employed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Charles Jarvis died in Dundee on 19th November 1948.